On June 27, 2023, the Government of Canada announced the launch of its National Adaptation Strategy, set out in a framework plan which identifies various goals and focus areas for future climate adaptation-related policies and investments.
Canada Introduces Sustainable Jobs Bill
The proposed Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act seeks to establish a framework by which Canada’s government will plan for and assist the national workforce in transitioning to a new, more sustainable economy.
Canada Legislates Right to a Healthy Environment
EPA Proposes New Power Plant Emission Standards Rule
The rule may require coal and gas-fired power plants, both new and old, to use carbon and capture sequestration and hydrogen-fueled generation technologies to reduce emissions and achieve an up-to 90% CO2 capture rate by 2035 (for natural gas plants) or 2040 (for existing coal plants scheduled to operate past that date).
Ontario Superior Court Dismisses Youth Climate Action Climate Case
On April 14th, Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice dismissed the climate action case Mathur v. Ontario, in which seven youth plaintiffs alleged that Ontario’s lacklustre 2018 climate plan, adopted following Doug Ford’s election to premier, violates the Charter rights of today’s youth and future generations.
Nations Sign "Landmark" Biodiversity Treaty at Montreal COP15
Canada Proposes New Regulations to Boost EV Adoption
Environment and Climate Change Canada proposed forthcoming regulations aimed at incentivizing low-emission passenger vehicle adoption in Canada. The regulations will take effect in 2026 and create a program of credits and deficits to reward car manufacturers and importers for meeting “zero emission vehicle” sales quotas.
Ontario Passes Controversial "Affordable Housing" Bill
Though the Ford government claims the law is intended to spur affordable housing construction, opposition parties and civil society groups have criticized the bill as primarily benefiting real estate developers exacerbating urban sprawl, degrading energy efficiency standards, and scraping away much-needed municipal revenue.
COP27 in 10 Points
COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt was among the more disappointing COPs, with little accomplished in terms of ratcheting up countries’ emission reduction efforts. But, with some big developments in terms of “loss and damage” funding for developing nations, it was not inconsequential. Here’s a summary of the conference in 10 points covering its five greatest achievements and five most notable failures.
Canada Releases Updated Methane Strategy
Last month, Environment and Climate Change Canada released Faster and Further: Canada’s Methane Strategy. The document set out Canada’s plan to reduce methane emissions across key economic sectors of the Canadian economy, while positioning the country to benefit from potential economic opportunities that may arise from such action.